C9 The Opportunity to Achieve Immortality Appears and the World Is in Chaos

"Hand it over?" Zhang Sanfeng hesitated, but someone was growing impatient.

"I believe Sage Zhang has never intended to relinquish the treasure. We should all just show our skills!" The speaker was a middle-aged scholar in his forties, with delicate and handsome features, none other than Xianyu Tong, the Head of the Mount Hua Sect.

"Stop talking nonsense. If my master says to hand over the treasure box, then that's what we'll do," Mo Shenggu retorted angrily.

Zhang Sanfeng sighed, knowing that there was no avoiding the inevitable conflict today. He approached Soong Yuanqiao, who respectfully handed him the treasure box.

"I shall entrust this treasure box to..."

Channeling a century's worth of internal energy into his palm, Zhang Sanfeng hurled the box forcefully towards the door. It soared in a graceful arc, flying over the heads of the onlookers, past the Wudang gates, and off into the distance.

"Chase it!" In a flash, the crowd erupted into chaos, each person using their light-footed skills to pursue the treasure box with desperate vigor.

"Such incredible strength! It's going to leave Wudang territory!" exclaimed Su Chen in amazement.

In moments, the hall was deserted, save for the second-generation Wudang disciples. The third-generation disciples, too, had followed in pursuit of the treasure box. The chance to attain immortality was, after all, more enticing than obeying the Head's command.

Gazing upon the empty hall, Zhang Sanfeng sighed inwardly. He knew the likelihood of their return was faint; the greed within people's hearts was not something he could curb.

"I am grateful for your warning, Su Chen," Zhang Sanfeng said with a bow. Without Su Chen's timely advice, he wouldn't have been able to rescue Zhang Wuji so effortlessly.

"It's of no consequence. But do you truly wish to proceed?" Su Chen inquired.

Zhang Sanfeng understood the implication of Su Chen's question. "At over a hundred years of age, if you hold me in such esteem, I am indeed willing."

With a hearty laugh, Su Chen saw Zhang Sanfeng's nod of agreement, sealing the deal. Now, Su Chen himself would possess the means to defend himself across various realms.

"Master, what are you discussing?" The Wudang disciples were utterly perplexed, clueless about the cryptic conversation between the Head and Su Chen.

"It's nothing major, just inviting Sage Zhang to join my organization," Su Chen replied, a smile gracing his lips.

"What? Master is considering joining another sect? That's preposterous!" The Six Heroes of Wudang were taken aback by the revelation. It was a grave taboo for disciples to switch allegiances to another sect, let alone for a founder to do so. Was Wudang on the verge of a name change? Would they be known as the Seven Heroes of Wudang or something else entirely in the future?

Su Chen's expression darkened upon hearing their reaction. "Hey, what's with the attitude? What's wrong with inviting Sage Zhang to join us?" Though Su Chen's organization only had two members, with Zhang Sanfeng being the latest addition, it spanned multiple worlds and operated on a platform far more advanced than that of the 'Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre' universe.

"Show some respect," Zhang Sanfeng chided, fully aware of Su Chen's significance and not wanting his disciples to slight such an important figure. "Apologize to Immortal Su at once."

"Immortal." The word echoed through the hall, leaving everyone in awe. How had Su Chen suddenly become Immortal Su?

"Immortal, the treasure box," Soong Yuanqiao, the elder with a wealth of experience, quickly connected the dots. The treasure box had been a gift from Young Master Su, who clearly possessed the stature of a first-rate Immortal.

"Yuanqiao pays his respects to Immortal Su. We apologize for any offense our Wudang disciples may have caused earlier. Please, forgive us," Soong Yuanqiao implored, bowing deeply. It was clear now why their master had not sought immortality; Wudang was already graced with the presence of a living Immortal.

Following the lead of their Eldest Senior Brother, the rest of the Wudang disciples quickly came to their senses. Mo Shenggu chastised himself for not recognizing a True Immortal. One by one, they offered their reverent salutations to Su Chen, "We pay our respects to Immortal Su and seek your forgiveness." The hall was filled with kneeling Wudang disciples, with even Zhang Wuji's family showing no signs of surprise.

Su Chen was taken aback, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "Alright, alright, everyone please rise. I'm not so petty-hearted."

"Wuji, Wuji, what's happened to you?" At that moment, Yin Susu's voice rang out in alarm.

Su Chen turned to see Zhang Wuji with purple lips, eyebrows frosted over, his hair rimed with ice, and his skin tinged blue. It was clear that despite his warning, Zhang Wuji had not escaped the Shadowed Void Strike.

"Master, please, look at Wuji. What's wrong with him?" Zhang Cuishan called out in distress.

Placing his hands on Zhang Wuji's pulse, he felt a chilling energy. Peeling back Zhang Wuji's clothing revealed a dark, bruise-like handprint.

Realizing Zhang Wuji was suffering from the effects of a chilling toxin, he pressed his palms against Zhang Wuji's back. A century's worth of refined inner strength surged through Zhang Wuji's body, driving out the cold poison. As time ticked by, Zhang Wuji's complexion slowly improved, while Zhang Sanfeng's own face grew pale, his forehead beaded with sweat.

"Yuanqiao, Lianzhou, Songxi, Cuishan, Liting, Shenggu, act quickly and help me expel Wuji's chilling toxin," Zhang Sanfeng urged, aware that he couldn't endure much longer and needing his disciples' assistance.

The Six Heroes of Wudang, realizing their master was reaching his limit, positioned their fingers like swords on Zhang Wuji's vital points. Channeling their inner strength, they worked in concert with their master to purge the poison.

With the Six Heroes' support, Zhang Wuji's color greatly improved. The strain on Zhang Sanfeng eased, his power surged, and with a forceful "Puff," he expelled a mouthful of clotted blood. Zhang Wuji's complexion instantly brightened, a sign that the poison had likely been expelled.

Zhang Sanfeng and his disciples then withdrew their inner energy and sat aside to recover their strength.

"Wuji, how do you feel? Are you still in pain?" Yin Susu approached, and seeing her son's rosy cheeks, she finally felt a sense of relief.

"Mother, there's no need for concern. With our forefather and several Senior Masters, along with Junior Master and Wuji tending to his injuries, Wuji is out of danger now."

"That's a relief, truly a relief," Yin Susu responded.

In roughly the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, Zhang Sanfeng was the first to awaken and gradually ended his meditation. The other Six Heroes of Wudang followed suit, each ending their cultivation. All bore grave expressions, their faces etched with concern.

Yin Susu, ever perceptive, noticed her master and husband's troubled looks and realized Wuji's injuries were far from minor. "Master, how is Wuji doing?"

Zhang Sanfeng sighed in resignation, opting for honesty. "The chilling toxin has penetrated Wuji's crown, heart, and dantian. It's beyond the help of external forces, and I am at a loss as well."

After a long contemplation, Zhang Sanfeng continued, "To rid his body of the chilling toxin, no one else can assist. Only by practicing the supreme inner force detailed in the Solar Mantras can he transform the utmost yin into the utmost yang. However, when Master Yuan passed on the teachings, my understanding was incomplete. Despite several periods of seclusion and diligent study, I've only grasped thirty to forty percent. For now, all we can do is have him practice on his own, and each day he survives is another day he lives."

"Master, is there truly no other solution?" Soong Yuanqiao inquired, well aware of the longstanding discord between Wudang and Shaolin. It was common knowledge in the martial arts community that seeking the Solar Mantras from Shaolin would be an exercise in futility.